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Modulates apoptotic signal transduction or effector structures within the mitochondrial matrix. Affect cytochrome C release from the mitochondria and caspase 3 activation, but not caspase 8 activation. Isoform 1 increases apoptosis triggered by both TNF and the DNA-damaging agent mytomycin C; in sharp contrast, isoform 2 suppresses apoptosis. Can modulate IFN-gamma-mediated transcriptional activity. Isoform 2 may play a role in neuromuscular junction development as an effector of the MUSK signaling pathway.

This gene encodes a member of the DNAJ/Hsp40 protein family. DNAJ/Hsp40 proteins stimulate the ATPase activity of Hsp70 chaperones and play critical roles in protein folding, degradation, and multimeric complex assembly. The encoded protein is localized to mitochondria and mediates several cellular processes including proliferation, survival and apoptotic signal transduction. The encoded protein also plays a critical role in tumor suppression through interactions with oncogenic proteins including ErbB2 and the p53 tumor suppressor protein. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011]

Impaired stoichiometry between mtHsp40 and mtHsp70 promotes Opa1L cleavage, leading to cristae opening, decreased OXPHOS, and triggering of mitochondrial fragmentation after reduction in their chaperone function.